Curried Basmati Rice Salad

Curried Basmati Rice Salad Recipe - Vegetarian Food from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Curried Basmati Rice Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the aromatic flavors of basmati rice with a blend of spices and vegetables. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, and can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to complement your favorite entrees.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Indian cuisine, where basmati rice is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The addition of curry spices and coconut flakes adds a unique twist to the classic rice salad, creating a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

3 cardamom pods
3 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
1.5 cups uncooked brown basmati rice
1.5 tsp coarse salt
0.25 tsp turmeric
0.75 cups pine nuts (4 oz (113 g))
0.75 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup canned chickpeas, preferably organic, rinsed and drained

Sesame dressing

1 cup snow peas, strings removed
3 small carrots, grated
0.5 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
0.5 tsp freshly ground pepper

Accompaniments

salad greens for serving
tofu raita

How to prepare

To make bouquet garni, place cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf in a square of cheesecloth and tie with kitchen string.
In a large saucepan, bring 2.75 cups of water to a boil.
Add rice, 0.5 tsp of salt, turmeric, and bouquet garni, and return to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until water is absorbed and steam holes appear in rice, about 20 minutes.
Remove rice from heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
Place the rice in a large bowl, fluff it with a fork, and let it stand until cool.
While the rice is cooking, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 1 minute; then remove from the oven and add coconut flakes.
Bake until both are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Set aside to cool.
Remove the bouquet garni from the cooled rice, then add chickpeas and 0.5 cup of sesame dressing, and mix gently to blend.
Let it stand for at least 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.
Add snow peas and cook for 1 minute.
Drain, rinse under cold running water, and drain again.
Cut each snow pea on a diagonal into thirds.
Stir toasted pine nuts and coconut, snow peas, carrots, cilantro, pepper, and remaining salt into the rice mixture.
Add the remaining dressing and toss to blend.
Serve over salad greens with tofu raita on the side.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
Substitute quinoa or jasmine rice for the basmati rice for a different flavor and texture.
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

- Toasting the pine nuts and coconut flakes adds a rich, nutty flavor to the salad. Be sure to watch them carefully in the oven to prevent burning.

- Letting the salad sit for at least 10 minutes after mixing allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more complex taste.

Serving Suggestions

Curried Basmati Rice Salad can be served on a bed of salad greens for a fresh and vibrant presentation. It pairs well with tofu raita on the side for a creamy and cooling contrast to the spicy curry flavors.

Cooking Techniques

To toast pine nuts and coconut flakes, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until lightly browned.

- For the tofu raita, blend silken tofu with yogurt, garlic, mint, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cashews or almonds instead of pine nuts for a different nutty flavor.

- Substitute shredded coconut for coconut flakes if desired.

- Use canned peas or snap peas instead of snow peas for a similar crunch.

Make Ahead Tips

Curried Basmati Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply mix all the ingredients together, cover, and chill until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Curried Basmati Rice Salad in a large bowl or platter, garnished with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra toasted pine nuts and coconut flakes on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal. It also goes well with a side of naan bread or pita for a more filling option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Curried Basmati Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes until warmed through, or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Curried Basmati Rice Salad contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a light and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Curried Basmati Rice Salad contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

This salad is a good source of healthy fats, with approximately 12 grams of fat per serving. The fats in this dish come from the pine nuts, coconut flakes, and sesame dressing, which provide essential nutrients for overall health.

Proteins

With 10 grams of protein per serving, Curried Basmati Rice Salad is a satisfying and filling dish that can help support muscle growth and repair. The protein in this salad comes from the chickpeas and tofu raita.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting healthy skin, and supporting overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts), coconut, and soy (tofu raita), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Curried Basmati Rice Salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Curried Basmati Rice Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the aromatic flavors of basmati rice with a blend of spices, nuts, and vegetables. This salad is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish to complement your favorite entrees.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Patel, in her cozy little kitchen. Mrs. Patel was a wonderful cook, and I always loved spending time with her, learning new recipes and sharing stories.

On that particular day, Mrs. Patel had just returned from a trip to India, and she was eager to share a new recipe with me. As she bustled around her kitchen, gathering ingredients and chopping vegetables, she told me about the delicious dish she had discovered while traveling – Curried Basmati Rice Salad.

I watched intently as Mrs. Patel expertly prepared the dish, adding fragrant spices and colorful vegetables to the fluffy basmati rice. The kitchen was filled with the warm, inviting aroma of curry and cumin, and I couldn't wait to try the finished salad.

As Mrs. Patel handed me a spoonful of the Curried Basmati Rice Salad, I took a hesitant bite, savoring the burst of flavors in my mouth. It was a symphony of taste – the nutty basmati rice, the tangy lemon juice, the spicy curry powder, and the crunchy vegetables all melded together perfectly.

I couldn't believe how delicious it was! I begged Mrs. Patel to share the recipe with me, and she graciously obliged. She walked me through each step, explaining the importance of toasting the spices, cooking the rice just right, and balancing the flavors to create a harmonious dish.

I scribbled down the recipe in my notebook, making sure to capture every detail and nuance. Mrs. Patel laughed at my diligence, but I was determined to recreate the Curried Basmati Rice Salad in my own kitchen.

When I returned home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. I followed Mrs. Patel's instructions carefully, savoring the familiar scents and flavors that filled my kitchen. As I tasted the finished salad, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Patel's kitchen, surrounded by warmth and friendship.

Over the years, I have made the Curried Basmati Rice Salad countless times, each batch a little different from the last. Sometimes I add extra vegetables, other times I experiment with different spices. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of Mrs. Patel's original creation always shines through.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Curried Basmati Rice Salad to the next generation. Each time I make it, I think of Mrs. Patel and the special bond we shared over a love of food and cooking.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the fragrant, flavorful salad, I am filled with gratitude for the memories of that day in Mrs. Patel's kitchen. The Curried Basmati Rice Salad has become more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of friendship, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those we care about. And for that, I am forever grateful.